WFCR Renews Partnership with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to benefit The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

[January 27, 2011 -- Amherst, MA] For the second year in a row, public radio stations 88.5FM WFCR and 640AM / 91.7FM WNNZ will partner with the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts to raise awareness about hunger in the region and help The Food Bank distribute food across western Massachusetts.

"Last winter, the Feed Your Radio - Feed A Family Campaign generated over 94,000 meals for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and $408,000 in support for WFCR and WNNZ," said Martin Miller, WFCR's General Manager and CEO. "The response from listeners was tremendous and we are excited to continue the partnership again this winter."

For every contribution made to 88.5 WFCR and 640AM/91.7FM WNNZ during this year's Feed Your Radio - Feed A Family Campaign (January 1 - March 5, 2011) a group of donors from the Community Foundation will donate funds to provide 20 meals to The Food Bank. WFCR hopes to have participation from over 4,000 listeners during the campaign.

"We are excited about partnering with WFCR and The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts again this year. Connecting donors with local causes is what we do, and this partnership is a terrific example of that," said Ron Ancrum, President of the Community Foundation. "This challenge grant is a great way for our donors to encourage support for their regional public radio station, and as a result, increase food assistance for their neighbors. We hope their challenge inspires an outpouring of generosity."

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is the leading provider of emergency food for shelters, food pantries, meal sites, residential programs, and youth and elder care centers in the area, reaching over 108,000 of our neighbors annually. Those who benefit from the programs and services provided by the Food Bank struggle with stagnant wages, unemployment, rising food prices, and exponential increases in heating costs. The result is that many households just can't make ends meet.

"While many people generously think about helping the hungry during the November and December holiday season, hunger exists year round in western Massachusetts," said Megan Pete, Director of Development and Marketing for The Food Bank. "Our partnership with WFCR and the Community Foundation is an important reminder that we still have a long winter ahead and thousands of families will continue to struggle to put food on their tables."

Every contribution made to WFCR and WNNZ between January 1 and March 5, 2011 will be counted towards the Feed Your Radio - Feed A Family Campaign, including all contributions made during WFCR and WNNZ's upcoming winter pledge drive, which runs February 25 - March 5, 2011.

Contributions can be made at WFCR's secure pledge page, by calling 1.800.639.8850 or by sending a check to WFCR, Hampshire House, 131 County Circle, Amherst, MA 01003.